Stuffed Chicken, Cyprus Style

Cyprus Style Stuffed Chicken with White Wine Sauce Recipe

Region / culture: Cyprus | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stuffed Chicken, Cyprus Style is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender roasted chicken with a savory almond and currant stuffing. This traditional Cypriot recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its unique flavors and textures.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Cyprus, where it is a popular dish for special occasions and family gatherings. The combination of almonds, currants, and cinnamon in the stuffing reflects the influence of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors on Cypriot cuisine.

Ingredients

1 Roasting chicken
3 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
0.5 cup Blanched, slivered almonds
0.75 cup Raw long-grain white rice
0.5 cup Dry white wine
1.25 cup water
salt
1 tsp Ground cinnamon
1 pinch granulated sugar
0.5 cup currants
butter or vegetable oil (butter should be melted)

How to prepare

Wash and dry the chicken, reserving the liver, and set it aside. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil or butter and sauté the almonds and liver. Then, remove them with a slotted spoon. Chop the liver and set it aside with the nuts.
Add the rice to the fat in the pan and sauté over medium heat, stirring constantly. Pour in the wine, water, salt, cinnamon, and sugar. Cover and cook for 12 minutes, or until the rice is almost tender. Stir in the almonds, liver, and currants, and remove the pan from the heat.
Spoon the stuffing into the large cavity of the chicken and close it tightly with skewers. Truss the chicken and brush the surface lightly with melted butter or oil.
Place the chicken, breast side up, in a baking pan and bake for 1.25 hours, or until tender, in a moderate oven (350°F (177°C)). Turn the chicken with two wooden spoons every 20 minutes and baste frequently with drippings. Remove the stuffing from the cavity and transfer it to the center of a warm platter.
Carve the chicken and arrange it around the stuffing. Serve warm.

Variations

Substitute the almonds with pine nuts or pistachios for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the stuffing for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to truss the chicken tightly to ensure that the stuffing stays inside during roasting.

- Basting the chicken with drippings every 20 minutes will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.

- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Stuffed Chicken, Cyprus Style with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Trussing the chicken helps it cook evenly and keeps the stuffing inside.

- Basting the chicken with drippings during roasting adds flavor and moisture to the meat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.

- Replace the currants with chopped dried apricots or raisins for a different sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before stuffing the chicken.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the carved chicken around the stuffing on a large platter for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Stuffed Chicken, Cyprus Style with a glass of dry white wine or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Stuffed Chicken, Cyprus Style contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Stuffed Chicken, Cyprus Style contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Stuffed Chicken, Cyprus Style contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Stuffed Chicken, Cyprus Style contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Stuffed Chicken, Cyprus Style is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Stuffed Chicken, Cyprus Style is a classic dish that combines tender roasted chicken with a flavorful almond and currant stuffing. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite for special occasions and gatherings.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was during my travels to Cyprus many years ago, when I stumbled upon a bustling market in the heart of Nicosia. As I wandered through the stalls, the intoxicating aroma of spices and herbs filled the air, leading me to a small, humble stand where an elderly woman was busy preparing stuffed chicken.

Intrigued by her skilled hands and the tantalizing smells emanating from her makeshift kitchen, I couldn't resist the urge to watch her work. With a warm smile, she welcomed me into her world, offering me a seat at her table as she expertly seasoned the chicken with a fragrant blend of cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. The scent alone was enough to make my mouth water, and I knew I had to learn her recipe.

Over the course of the afternoon, the kind woman patiently showed me each step of the process, from deboning the chicken to mixing the stuffing of rice, pine nuts, and raisins. She explained that this traditional Cypriot dish was a labor of love, meant to be shared with family and friends during special occasions and celebrations.

As I watched her work, I felt a deep connection to the rich history and culture of Cyprus. The flavors of the Mediterranean danced on my tongue, transporting me to a world of ancient traditions and timeless recipes. I knew that I had stumbled upon a culinary gem, and I was determined to bring this taste of Cyprus back home with me.

After saying my goodbyes to the kind woman, I returned to my own kitchen with a newfound sense of excitement and inspiration. Armed with my notes and memories of that fateful day at the market, I set out to recreate the stuffed chicken, Cyprus style, in my own home.

As I carefully seasoned the chicken and mixed the stuffing, I could almost hear the bustling sounds of the market and feel the warmth of the Cypriot sun on my skin. Each step of the recipe was a labor of love, a tribute to the generous woman who had shared her culinary secrets with me.

Finally, as the stuffed chicken emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, I knew that I had captured the essence of Cyprus in my own kitchen. The flavors were exquisite, a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, earthy and spicy. With each bite, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had honored the traditions of a distant land.

Since that fateful day in Nicosia, stuffed chicken, Cyprus style, has become a beloved staple in my own family. My children and grandchildren gather around the table, eager to savor the flavors of the Mediterranean and hear the story of how this recipe came to be a cherished part of our culinary repertoire.

As I pass down the recipe to the next generation, I can't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that led me to that bustling market in Cyprus so many years ago. It's a reminder that food has the power to connect us, to bridge the gap between cultures and generations, and to create lasting memories that transcend time and distance.

And so, as I sit here now, savoring a plate of stuffed chicken, Cyprus style, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the kind woman who opened her heart and her kitchen to me so many years ago. Her recipe has become a cherished part of my own culinary legacy, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and keep the spirit of tradition alive.